Inside the Zabar family’s little-known $30M NYC real estate empire

The family behind Zabar’s, the Upper West Side grocery institution, also has a little-known Manhattan property portfolio worth nearly $30 million. The holdings reflect the business interests of Stanley Zabar, who helped build the portfolio and died aged 94, extending the family’s legacy beyond its famous store.

Housing records link Stanley to six residential buildings with 80 apartments across Manhattan, held through four corporate entities. The family also held a 50% stake in a commercial property partnership at 2231 Broadway; the site generated nearly $5 million in annual gross rent by 2019. A dispute over vacant space and redevelopment plans led to competing claims in court, with a decision issued in April 2025.